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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable while you're sitting or lying down. It makes you feel like getting up and moving around. When you do so, the unpleasant feeling of restless legs syndrome temporarily goes away.
Restless legs syndrome can begin at any age and generally worsens as you get older. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition. Restless legs syndrome can disrupt sleep — leading to daytime drowsiness — and make traveling difficult.
A number of simple self-care steps and lifestyle changes may help you. Medications also help many people with restless legs syndrome.
- Restless legs syndrome. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm. Accessed Oct. 5, 2009.
- Tarsy D, et al. Restless legs syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 5, 2009.
- Ondo WG. Restless legs syndrome. Neurologic Clinics. 2009;27:3.
- Durmer JS. Restless legs syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/163638325-4/897600799/2088/562.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00027-7--sc0065_11533. Accessed Oct. 5, 2009.
- Restless legs syndrome: Causes, diagnosis and treatment. Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. http://www.rls.org/Document.Doc?&id=428. Accessed Oct. 5, 2009.
- Patrick L. Restless legs syndrome: Pathophysiology and the role of iron and folate. Alternative Medicine Review. 2007;12:101.
- Trenkwalder C, et al. Treatment of restless legs syndrome: An evidence-based review and implications for clinical practice. Movement Disorders. 2008;23:2267.
- About RLS: Frequently asked questions. Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. http://www.rls.org/Page.aspx?pid=543#7. Accessed Oct. 5, 2009.
